51. Harold Jackson

Harold Jackson had two great seasons in Philadelphia, leading the league in receiving yards in 1969 and 1973. It is too bad that Jackson was the only one playing well for those dreadful Eagles teams.

This isn’t to say that Jackson didn’t have good campaigns at other times in his career. He became a Ram and was part of a very good squad there. Ironically, he went from being hidden on a bad team to being overshadowed on a fairly good one, even despite finishing second in MVP voting in his first year there (1973). Jackson was a Red Zone Specialist and a serious threat throughout his career.

Harold Jackson’s career numbers are quite good (10,372 Yards and 76 Touchdowns), especially considering that he tallied most of his numbers at a time when Wide Receivers were not setting the NFL on fire. However, since he wasn’t selected to the 1970s All-Decade team, it is hard to see how he can make the Hall, especially since other great wideouts from the ’70s are still out.

Should Harold Jackson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 82.7%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.1%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.9%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.2%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Sunday, 01 January 1989
Position: Wide Receiver
Games Played: 208
Notable Statistics: 187 Games Started
579 Receptions
10,372 Receiving Yards
76 Receiving Touchdowns
33 Rushing Attempts
181 Rushing Yards
2 Pass Completions
4 Pass Attempts
35 Passing Yards
2 Kick Returns
48 Kick Return Yards
124 Approximate Value

14 Playoff Games
9 Playoff Games Started
24 Receptions
548 Receiving Yards
5 Receiving Touchdowns
Played For: Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks
College: Jackson State
Drafted: 12th Round, 323rd Pick in 1968
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1973)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1972)
Pro Bowl Selection (5) (1969, 1972, 1973, 1975 & 1977)
Most Receptions (1) (1972)
Most Receiving Yards (2) (1969 & 1972)
Most Receiving Touchdowns (1) (1973)
Most Receiving Yards per Game (2) (1969 & 1972)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
2nd in 1973

Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1973)
Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (4) (1969, 1971, 1972 & 1977)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (5) (1969, 1972, 1973, 1975 & 1979)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (4) (1969, 1973, 1975 & 1977)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Reception (7) (1969, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979 & 1980)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (4) (1969, 1972, 1973 & 1975)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (2) (1969 & 1973)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards From Scrimmage (1) (1969)
Notable All Time Rankings: 31. Yards per Reception: 17.9
39.   Receiving Touchdowns: 76
51.   Receiving Yards: 10,372
87.   Touchdowns: 76
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None.